Our thoughts are the epochs in our lives, all else is but as a journal of the winds that blew while we were here. Thoreau

Morning,

It was another brutal winter's day atop Mt. LeConte. The high was a mere 45 degrees. The low was 32 degrees. That is cold enough to freeze water! Brrr. I can't believe I have to endure 5 more weeks of this.

Just kidding. Maybe sarcasm will bring back the snow. It was ridiculously nice up top, sunny and clear. Looks like we'll have some more of that over the next few days. I was hiking in my Tevas yesterday. I brought them as camp shoes. I never thought I'd be going on 4 hour hikes with them in January. Incredible.

the smell of balsama dimly remembered pasti go back to Maine

Top photo: Relaxing just before Sunrise. Above: It feels like spring in the shadow of pines.

I know you don't like this non-snow weather. But I'd give anything to have no snow right now. Those trails look pretty nice!!!!

Beattie

1/25/2012 03:17:20 am

What a fantastic photo. My mind is aglow with whirling nodes of though careening through a cosmic vapor as I observe that view.

Tony Ga

1/25/2012 03:51:26 am

Well JP looks like you'll just have to come back and work as caretaker next year to get the winter you were hoping for.

Raz Theo

1/25/2012 04:31:07 am

Having just pursued my own existential run at asceticism, it's wonderful to emerge from the foggy woods of self-absorption into the poetic enlightenment and awe of JP's Journals - especially 10 days worth at one sitting.
What kind of camera DO you use?

Raz Theo
Nashville

JP

1/25/2012 06:55:20 am

Raz,
Wow, that sounds great. As much as I love love love LeConte, I am ready to wake up somewhere different. As Steinbeck says, once a bum always a bum. I use a Pentax W80 Optio. I am thinking of upgrading to an Olympus/Canon fancy camera once I magically find $1000.

Raz Theo

1/25/2012 08:28:50 am

JP-
I've never had the opportunity to utter "magic" and "money" in the same sentence, but right there, you're ahead of the game philosophically if not economically. A camera (I've been thinking about) that you might want to check out is the Nikon D5100 - 700 bucks, which I think is a real bargain. I have a couple friends who have it and It's been performing to rave reviews. I've pasted below an Amazon link that can dazzle you with the Nikon's stats/features. It would be interesting to see how they handle delivery to the lodge. In the meantime, I don't really think you need any more sophisticated tools than the imagination, intellect and creativity you've already been displaying for all of us to witness.
Thanks a million (another one of those "m" words),
Raz Theo
Nashville

It's written in English, but I can't understand a word you young people are saying! Don't nobody talk regular anymore?

pam

1/26/2012 12:25:16 am

Just enjoy the weather report and the pics Juanita!

Jacob

1/25/2012 06:40:47 am

JP, I have always wanted to read Richard Byrd's book Alone, but have never found the time. It is a book describing the effects of isolation of the human mind and body. Byrd spent 5 months alone in the Arctic and his story sometimes reminds me of the winter caretaker... at least during years where there is more snow. Just a reading suggestion...

JP

1/25/2012 06:57:02 am

Jacob,
I read it on the AT! He had quite an intense experience. Some kind of gas leak nearly killed him and had major effects on his mood. This is infinitely less isolated and brave :).

James W

1/25/2012 06:59:40 am

Just you wait and see JP snow is coming!!! Feb is always the best month!Ill let you know when we do a day hike so i can get you something up there! we have two nights booked for oct again.!!oo ooo ooo sometimes i get that feelin!

Mike

1/26/2012 02:14:47 am

What a wakeup pic! I can smell the firs right now... JP, your sharing of prose and pics set the standard for all future caretakers (no offense to all previous ones :D!), your contributions are just top-notch, I look forward to them every day! May you soon get all the beautiful snow you wish for! God bless, and keep your microspikes close!

Bill Yeadon

1/26/2012 12:56:30 pm

That is quite a lyrical leap in one day. Hermans Hermits to Levon Helm.

Comments are closed.

LeConte Lodge

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